Bermudians Against the Draft has the support of former Progressive Labour Party Senator Davida Morris, who attended their legal battle at the Privy Council in London yesterday.

The campaigners have lambasted the PLP Government for failing to abolish the 45-year-old policy of mandatory service in the Regiment for young men.

The policy has proved popular with the Bermuda public, despite the BAD campaign to get it ruled unlawful (see main story). Few public figures have been willing to give their views on the topic, which has become a political hot potato.

However, Ms Morris, 29, who is studying at the London School of Economics, said there is support for the abolition movement within the PLP although few are willing to vocalise it publicly.

"I do support this cause, I think it's definitely something worth fighting for," she told The Royal Gazette.

Ms Morris said that during her stint as one of Bermuda's youngest ever senators from 2006-2007: "There was a lot of support but I found a lot of it was more behind-the-scenes. I was comfortable being outwardly supportive.

"There are people who support it and believe that it's right. I do believe more people are in support of Bermudians Against the Draft than not, but I don't think they are willing to be as vocal."

Ms Morris has regularly spoken out against the administration led by Premier Ewart Brown since he replaced her with Hott 107.5 radio anchorman Thaao Dill. Bermudians Against the Draft founder Larry Marshall who has also been highly critical of Dr. Brown's failure to abolish conscription welcomed Ms Morris's support.

"I think it's reflective of a new way of thinking among not just the younger politicians but our younger people as a whole that the system is very wrong," he said.

"Forced labour had no place in the 20th Century, let alone the 21st. We appreciate her support and we wish the politicians in Bermuda had the conviction, concern and even the courage of Ms Morris to come out and speak out against this most egregious violation of one's human rights."

Among the other B.A.D. supporters in court were three of the 14 members of the group behind the court action Mr. Marshall's sons Larry Jr. and Lamont, plus Jamel Hardtman of Hott 107.5.